Empat

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the product and project manager of Megacampus, an online platform providing education services in different industries like gaming, web, entertainment, and art since 2019. Our goal is to bring online education to a slightly different level with new approaches.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We needed help with designing and developing our platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat has helped us develop our website and app from scratch, including the UI/UX design. The project has included concept creation, development, and the creation of a go-to-market strategy.

Initially, we communicated with Empat and discussed the project concept and scope. Then, they build a product map and the user journey. This part of the process included extensive product research.

After discussing the idea, we moved into the UI/UX design phase, during which we worked with Empat on the wireframing, using Figma for the designs and prototypes. We also conducted customer interviews to support the design work.

Once we had the designs, we moved into the development phase. For this phase, we divided the work into sprint cycles and started working on a sprint basis to develop the product, which took a long time. Ultimately, Empat has built our platform for both iOS and Android devices.

Empat has also been responsible for all the QA work involved in the project. Moreover, they’ve been involved in the DevOps side of the project, especially for the server setup. Currently, they’re also helping us with product and business analytics, which has included some interviews. Additionally, they’re always available for brainstorming and technical support.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with a product manager, a project manager, a business analyst, a web developer, an iOS developer, an Android developer, a UI/UX designer, a DevOps engineer, and a QA specialist.

How did you come to work with Empat?

We found them through a referral.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $300,000–$400,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around February 2021, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Empat has accomplished everything they’ve needed to accomplish and provided very positive input beyond simple technical solutions. They advise us on a lot of alternative approaches, and thanks to them, the project is always moving in the perfect direction.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

Empat has perfectly met all the deadlines and is very responsive. Sometimes, they’ve even responded in the middle of the night to address important issues very quickly, which we really appreciate.

Additionally, Empat always responds very fast, and we’ve never had a communication issue. They’re always ready whenever we need to jump on an urgent call. They use Confluence for product documentation, Jira for task management, Slack for daily communication, and Bitbucket for code storage.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Empat's whole team has been very good. Their CTO has had a huge impact on the project's success. Although he hasn't been part of the development process, he has participated in some technical discussions, and his input has been very valuable.

Additionally, the product manager has been very good because we've felt that he has really thought about our product. Overall, the quality of all the other technical team members has been outstanding. We've never wanted to change anyone on Empat's team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Empat has very clear values and always thinks beyond technical solutions. They don’t focus simply on doing their job. If they think about doing something in a different way or can find a better solution for our business, they always offer those alternatives.

Thanks to this approach, they’ve found a lot of new technical solutions and assisted us in making serious product development decisions. Basically, our engagement feels more like a collaboration than simply hiring a service provider to do the job.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any areas of improvement for Empat. We’ve been pleasantly impressed with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you tell them your vision and goals for the product in terms of the value you want to provide for your customers, Empat will do their best not just to fulfill that vision but to create their own solutions in order to bring the best product to market based on your existing idea. Basically, if you just tell them the work they need to do, they’ll do it perfectly, but if you provide them with your vision, they’ll make it even better.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Editor of CEU Review of Democracy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

RevDem, is a dynamic online journal of the CEU Democracy Institute dedicated to the reinvigoration, survival, and prosperity of democracies worldwide, supported by the Open Society University Network.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

1. We needed a design update
2. Creation of backend and dashboard
3. Frontend of the site

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Empat over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Backend:

• Create server and database.
• Develop APIs.
• Implement security features.
• Ensure data management.

Frontend:

• Design user interface.
• Build interactive web pages.
• Connect to backend data.
• Make it work on all devices.

Design:

• Create attractive visuals.
• Design layout and graphics.
• Choose colors and fonts.

Project Management:

• Plan tasks and schedule.
• Assign roles.
• Monitor progress.
• Report to stakeholders.

Key Deliverables:

• Functional backend.
• Responsive frontend.
• Secure user access.
• Visually appealing design.
• Project plan and reports.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We successfully launched the new website according to our planned schedule, meeting all major milestones and deadlines. The project was completed within the allocated budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness. The new website received a high-quality rating, with all pages passing rigorous testing for functionality, performance, and security.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Overall, the project management was effective, and they delivered items on time while responding well to our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Each member of the team gave the impression of a truly qualified specialist who is a pleasure to deal with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

Empat demonstrated exceptional strengths and there are minimal areas for improvement. They consistently delivered outstanding results and maintained a high standard of performance throughout the project.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO, Co-founder of Big Sister AI Company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Big Sister AI - sales team productivity platform. We increase sales conversion by fixing human mistakes in the sales process.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• We started working with Empat to create a complicated software system with integrated AI as well as a web platform that could help us to provide our services to the clients.

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

Referral

Why did you select Empat over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

15

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We talked to Empat about our plan of making an AI-based product that will improve sales departments by identifying valuable insights from sales activities. Although we had the idea, we didn't have the technical expertise to put it into action. Not only did Empat's team comprehend our idea, but they guided us through the process of realizing it. 

Empat provided a complete and well-organized service package. They described the necessary stages to materialise our idea, which included a complex backend, seamless integration with OpenAI, and easy-to-use web and mobile user interfaces. Empat comprehend our requirements and included our feedback in the entire process. The outcome is a potent tool that holds the potential to transform sales procedures.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We created a new software from scratch which is extremely cool, because its offer to our client integration with any CRM systems, messengers, or any channel for selling products. Our software is continuously analysing the performance of sales teams. 

This helps stay up-to-date and promptly respond to any changes that occur in the sales process. In addition, salespeople become more engaged in the process as they can regularly track their progress and compete against other sales managers using an interactive gaming approach.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

During our cooperation, I thought the project manager from Empat was ready for everything. This flexibility impressed me, because the resources were adjusted so, due to which we had productive work without blockers and downtimes. We have a sync every Tuesday and always commute through the slack. Is it very convenient to use specific tools for specific needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The team is not afraid of any challenge. We develop a complex product using complicated technologies. Every day, we have to figure out something, but we get through it.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

I enjoy working with the Empat team, particularly with the Project Managers Ilya and Nikita, as well as the skilled tech team. They are always available and have proven themselves to be proactive professionals. I have no further suggestions for improving our collaboration.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO & Founder of Vanity AI

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

AI podcast interviewer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• We need specific software with integrated AI. This software is focused on collecting interviews without the participation of an interviewer. We believe that the mindset of empat team will help us in this revolutionary approach.

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

Referral

Why did you select Empat over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

From the outset, empat displayed a deep understanding of our requirements and objectives. The project aimed to create a seamless interview process using AI, eliminating the need for human intervention. The comprehensive design package provided by empat brought the entire project to life. The visual elements, branding, and user interface design were crafted to align with our company's identity.

Empat designed the algorithms and AI models that power the interview process. This backend infrastructure forms the backbone of the entire platform, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the AI-driven interviews. Their expertise in AI and machine learning was evident throughout this phase. The frontend interface they developed was intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing. The result was a cohesive and polished product that not only meets but exceeds our expectations.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project is currently in the development stage, and we are actively conducting tests with the beta group and yielding positive feedback. Furthermore, Empat has highlited our project in their monthly newsletter, resulting in an eager anticipation for the impending release from the initial group of interested parties.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

From the start, their clear communication, rapid responses, and transparent project management kept us on track. Their flexibility and problem-solving approach ensured a smooth journey, while their expert guidance elevated our project's quality.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We felt the full involvement of the team in our project. They were proactive and responsible. This is unique because sometimes it seemed to us that an empat was part of our in-house team. Full match!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

I am completely satisfied with the work of the team, so we continue our cooperation. I believe that very soon the world will be able to see our product, thanks to these professionals

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a product manager at a yacht. I’m responsible for the technical side of the yacht, which includes managing the hardware and software installed on it. The yacht is part of a marine computing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Empat?

We needed help with mobile app development. We didn’t have the development capabilities in-house and didn’t want to hire internal employees, so we decided to reach out to Empat to take over the whole project.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Empat developed a new custom mobile app for iOS and Android to be installed on the devices available on the yacht. There were also some old-fashioned interfaces that they needed to redesign in a more modern style for the new app.

The project started with a kick-off call between my boss and a manager from Empat’s side. After that, they created an internal communication channel for the project and prepared the initial documents.

After the initial project setup, we had some planning meetings to create the project’s roadmap and define the app’s architecture. We also worked with Empat’s management team to create the user journey and the app map.

During the design process, we worked with Empat’s team of designers, who were responsible for the design work. The designers created the frames for the app based on the user journey we had created. Then, they provided us with a few options for the designs and visual art, after which they created the final version of the app’s design.

Once the designs were ready, Empat’s development team started building the mobile app; the process lasted a couple of months. Once the app was ready, Empat installed it into our yacht, tested it a few times, and made a few adjustments. After launch, they continued providing us with operational support by fixing bugs and making minor changes as needed.

As for the technology stack, Empat used Flutter as the development framework, as it works for both operating systems. They also used Figma to create the designs and prototypes and Dart as the programming language.

This app informs our guests about the services available on our yacht and connects to the different products of our cabins using IoT connectivity. For example, the app allows guests to turn on and off the lights, open and close the blinds, and control the cabin’s temperature. They also can use it to control audio and video devices inside the cabin.

What is the team composition?

In total, we worked with 11 teammates from Empat, including a project manager, a business analyst, five Flutter developers, a backend developer, two QA engineers and testers, and a DevOps engineer.

How did you come to work with Empat?

We reached out to different companies and received offers from them. Empat was one of those companies. Although I wasn’t part of the vetting process, I know that someone from my company knew someone from Empat, so I think that was how we contacted them.

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we spent $1.2 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our project started in April 2022, but the design and development process didn’t start until June 2022. The MVP of the app was ready in November 2022 for us to test and get feedback from our boss, and the first version was officially released in March 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Empat’s work was of high quality, as the app had very few bugs when it was released. 92% of the total bugs were found during the development phase, whereas the client found 8% after the app’s release. Usually, that percentage is a lot higher for these types of projects. Still, as the app was released for internal usage, it has only been installed on two devices, so we don’t have user metrics available.

How did Empat perform from a project management standpoint?

Empat performed well. They excelled at solving problems, so it was great to go to them when needed; there were no issues that weren’t resolved during the development phase.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Igor (COO & Project Manager) was very good at what he did. He was responsible for our communication and for managing the development team, so I mainly worked with him.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Empat was very flexible to our requirements and agreed to help us with all the concerns we had.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ask all you need to Empat’s project managers or delivery directors, and they’ll provide you with great answers to all your questions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I'm a Manager at CrossFit Banda

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a network of gyms that popularize sports, in particular crossfit in Ukraine and build a convenient ecosystem for conscious athletes.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• There was complex work: a very voluminous and high-quality discovery stage (presentation with the results)
• Сreating a mobile application for users of the gym to record, etc
• A website for additional information about the service, optimizing existing CRM.

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Empat over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We came to Empat with an ambitious goal - to build an entire ecosystem for our network of halls, to enable further business scalability. We wanted to make visiting our gyms as comfortable and interesting as possible for visitors.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Increase sales: increase customer conversion and increase customer retention\
• A new level of service: improving the customer experience at all levels of interaction with the brand through IT tools 
• Scaling: process optimization. Creating an IT infrastructure for fast and high-quality business scaling CRM

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

We have achieved all the goals set and are moving forward in working to improve the functionality.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Our team and theirs is very closely knitted. They've become a trusted partner and are the helping hand we needed. We don't think we can ever get where we are today without them.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

We carried out large-scale work in parallel on several projects. Of course, questions arose in the course of work, but I would like to note how quickly Empat identified, discussed, and eliminated problems.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive of 4getme

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

AI system that handles content removal and monitoring seamlessly. This system operates automatically, efficiently eliminating negative reviews, embarrassing posts, and outdated information from the internet.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• To create software based on Artificial Intelligence for searching for matches on the network
• They are also create a simple, fast and user-friendly website that will convey our vision to our users.

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Empat over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned
• Other

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

12

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

When we first started working together, we had extensive discussions about the precise steps needed to bring our concept to life. An architectural plan was presented to us, outlining the ideal version. Subsequently, we transitioned to the design and prototype phase. Andrii, Lead Designer, crafted multiple prototypes using Figma, giving us a visual representation of the potential outcome.

Once we agreed upon the most fitting design, the project manager formed a skilled team that skillfully translated our vision into reality, resulting in an impressive website built on Webflow. The backend and frontend developers, along with the CTO of Empat - Sergiy, were working on the software development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our analytics are on a steady upward trajectory, paralleling the growth of our revenue. Nevertheless, given our status as a startup, we can't show specific numbers regarding potential outcomes. What important is our unwavering commitment to further promote our product and maintain belief in its eventual triumph.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Prior to partnering with Empat, we had made previous attempts to collaborate with another company. This allows me to draw a comparison regarding the effectiveness of communication. I found myself satisfited with the responsiveness, the team's approach, their profound expertise, and the overall atmosphere that Empat brought to the table.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I am truly amazed by the team's versatility, their ability to tackle any concept, and their swift responsiveness to handle diverse requests effectively.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

In my view, Empat possesses a distinct client engagement approach that I find quite appealing. I wouldn't wish for them to alter it, as this approach grants them the creative freedom to generate ideas that have the potential to enhance your concept even further.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO, Founder of Dental Care

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

My name is Yaroslav Zablotskyy and I’m CEO and Founder at Dental Care Offices and Dental clinics.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• We hired Empat as a team of creative professionals with experience in mobile development for building application in native languages Swift and Kotlin..
• They implemented our design concepts
• Empat incorporated AI engine into the mobile development process

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

For the past five years, we have worked on various web projects. So we just expand our collaboration

Why did you select Empat over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

14

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We started the project from the Discovery Stage, aiming to create a Mobile App for both iOS and Android using native languages Swift and Kotlin. The Empat team handled Design, Development, and QA, successfully implementing key features like doctor's recommendations, a smart AI tracker, and personal recommendations based on AI engine.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The results have surpassed our expectations: 3x increase in clinic re-visits, 80% of our clients use app, and a 50% boost in goods sales.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Our cooperation on this project started from the discovery stage, which allowed us to gain a deep understanding of our chosen industry, the competition and other relevant aspects. This thorough research has led us to define our specialty and pinpoint the offerings for our target audience. 

We have 1 Product Manager with excels at attentive communication, 1 Project Manager, 2 iOS and 2 Android developers, 2 Backend Developers, 2 QA Managers, a UI/UX Designer with a keen eye for user-centric design, a DevOps specialist, and a Content Creator. We have been working in a close collaboration in one office during the first 3 month to dive deeper into all of the details. 

After that we have weekly call with the team, and daily communication on other platform. Throughout our extended period of collaboration, I can confidently say that we have developed a strong bond with them, considering them not just as business partners but as friends.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They became a part of our team because of their approach to work and mutual support. In return for their commitment, we give a special discount to each member of the Empat. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with them in the future.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

We couldn't be more satisfied with our collaboration with Empat, as they have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our customer's needs. Their swift implementation of ideas, always meeting deadlines, has been truly impressive. 

Thanks to their exceptional work, we now have a comprehensive ecosystem of products that meet our customers' demands. Looking ahead, we are optimistic and hopeful that we will have the opportunity to collaborate on other projects in the future.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Lead marketing manager of Xpand Ukraine

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Xpand is a product and service software development company assisting organizations around the globe in handling their Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM systems.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• Developed Landing page for own product
• Provided consultation and recommendation how to improve user experience on a landing page

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

Referral

Why did you select Empat over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fits our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

1. Developed the landing page according to the brief and integrated it into CMS. 

2. Integrated the plugin for cookies according to compliance requirements. 

3. Bug fixing that appeared during the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They were highly involved in the project and advised the best solution for implementation for our case. The design was proposed and approved very quickly. It was a nice bonus that the team provided relevant comments and offered exactly what we needed, rather than imposing unnecessary services. We were impressed with the client-oriented approach.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Some stages of the work lasted a little longer than previously agreed. This was partly due to delays on our part, but also on the executive partner's part.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was particularly impressed with their client-oriented approach and easy and fruitful communication. It was a pleasure to work on the project!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

It would be nice to improve the accounting side of the project and manage it more properly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Circleup

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Making it efficient to maintain personal relationships. Unlike having to think whom to meet, where to meet, and when to meet → we streamline the process. As a result, it makes people happier and healthier.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Empat to accomplish?

• Software Development, UI Design, QA, Project Mgmt, Maintenance

SOLUTION

How did you find Empat?

Upwork

Why did you select Empat over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• Other

How many teammates from Empat were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Empat took over after a failed MVP development. They brought the product to usable and distributable software. Eversince we develop the application further. Empat is responsible for project management, front end, backend, mobile, web, quality assurance, and UX/UI design Only requirements engineering is with another partner in this setup. Further development is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Bi-weekly sprints with 1-2 releases per month.
• MVP successfully delivered.
• Committed team and responsive; they take ownership and are keen to make our project a success.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They take critics seriously and changed the project manager after we had initial difficulties to align and deliver on time. The situation has quickly improved and we have a very communication efficient process now. Everything is managed with Jira and slack in terms of communication and planning.

What was your primary form of communication with Empat?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The personal commitment of the leadership team. Taking ownership and responsibility. They are humble people and always look for a positive outcome.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Empat could have done differently?

Sometimes effort estimations could be better. Some engineers tend to be too optimistic with larger epic's.